Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 head garlic, cloves separated, peeled, and coarsely chopped
  • 4 medium-size yellow or white onions, coarsely chopped
  • 4 to 5 pounds tomatoes, preferably summer ripe, coarsely chopped, with juices
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • Handful of chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme, parsley, oregano, and basil

Method

  • Heat the oil in the pressure cooker over medium heat until beginning to smoke.
  • Add the garlic and onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft but not caramelized, about 10 minutes.
  • Add the remaining ingredients, including the tomato juices, lock on the lid, and bring to pressure over high heat, about 6 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 15 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and let sit for 10 minutes to finish cooking.
  • With the steam vent pointed away from your face, gently release any remaining pressure.
  • When cool enough to handle, push the sauce through a china cap sieve or puree it in a food processor or through a food mill.
  • Reheat and use right away.
  • Or cool and store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.